The body of the devoted Toon fan will soon be flown back to Tyneside, ending weeks of emotional turmoil for his family.

The 28-year-old’s dad Barry received the news on Tuesday that his son was among the 220 bodies flown back to the Netherlands.

He told the Chronicle that it was “the best news on a tragic day” as he was delivered bitter-sweet news.

Liam, a Newcastle United season ticket holder, was travelling to New Zealand to watch his team play in a pre-season friendly alongside football fanatic John Alder when the plane was shot down over war-torn eastern Ukraine.

Mr Alder’s body is yet to be identified.

Barry, full-time carer for wife Lesley, 53, said his family will now find some closure but his thoughts were with the other families.